Word Roots
Give the definition for a word root and one example.
The foundation of a medical term, contains its primary meaning. All medical terms have at lease one word root.
Give the definition for a prefix and one example:
A prefix is a word element attached to the beginning of a word or word root. Not all medical terms have a prefix.
Give the definition for a suffix and one example:
A suffix is a word element placed at the end of a word that alters its meaning. All medical terms have a suffix.
Define this medical term: Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestine
Medical terms can be made up of 4 parts. Name them:
Word root
Combining form
Prefix
Suffix
Define this common medical word root: arthr (arthr/o), and give an example of a medical term using the word root
Example: Arthroplasty = joint replacement
plasty= surgical repair, restoration, or replacement of a body part
Define this common medical prefix: hypo, and give an example of a medical term using the prefix
hypo means under, beneath, or below
Example hypogastric = below the stomach
Define this common medical suffix: Ectomy, and give an example of a medical term using the suffix
Ectomy means removal
Example: Hysterectomy= removal of the uterus
Define this medical term: Osteoarthritis
Bone and joint inflammation
Word roots are derived from which languages?
Greek and Latin (sometimes Spanish)
Define this common medical word root: neur (neur/o), and give an example of a medical term using the word root
neur/o means nerve
Example: neuropathy = nerve disease or dysfunction
Define this common medical prefix: brady, and give an example of a medical term using the prefix
brady means slow
Example: Bradycardia = slow heart rate
Define this common medical suffix: Stenosis, and give an example of a medical term using the suffix
Stenosis means narrowing
Example: Aortic Stenosis= narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart.
Define this medical term: Tendinosis
Deterioration of a tendon
The suffix sis= process, or action (disease process)
Explain why we continue to use medical terminology today:
Medical terminology is a standardized language used by healthcare professionals to communicate about patients. It helps to ensure a standard of care and reduces the risk of errors.
Define this common medical word root: gastr (gastr/o) and give an example of a medical term using the word root
gastr/o means stomach
Example: Gastroenteritis = inflammation of the stomach and intestines
Define this common medical prefix: peri, and give an example of a medical term using the prefix
peri means surrounding or around
Example: Pericarditis= inflammation around the pericardium (heart layer)
Define this common medical suffix: Scope, and give an example of a medical term using the suffix
Scope means instrument use for viewing or examining
Example: Stethoscope = instrument used to listen to sounds from internal organs
Define this medical term: Polyuria
Too much urine production
Poly=many
uria= urine
The suffix tripsy means:
tripsy means incision
Example: lithotripsy = a surgical procedure to remove a stone in the kidney, ureter, bladder, or gallbladder
Define this common medical word root: cyt (cyt/o), and give an example of a medical term using the word root
Cyt/o means cell
Example: Cytosis = the movement of cells
sis=action or process
Define this common medical prefix: dys, and give an example of a medical term using the prefix
dys means bad or difficult
Example: Dyspnea = difficulty breathing
Define this common medical suffix: logist, and give an example of a medical term using the suffix
logist means a specialist who studies and treats a particular subject.
Examples: Cardiologist, nephrologist, oncologist etc.
Define this medical term: Chondritis
Inflammation of the cartilage
Chondr=cartilage
itis= inflammation
The suffix -ac means
-ac means pertaining to
Example: Cardiac = pertaining to the heart